Women Who Ruled 2020: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

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Today we salute, Keisha Lance Bottoms!

She has served as the mayor of Atlanta since 2018, however this year, Keisha made her way into the national spotlight. During 2020, not only did Americans experienced a global shift during the pandemic, but it was the uprising of 2020 that opened America’s eyes to what is really happening within the black communities. Earlier this year, protestors gathered in Atlanta over the senseless murder of George Floyd.

Some of the protests turned very violent, exciting riots and looters to take over the city. This urged Kiesha to speak out and deliver a speech that would move many.

“When you burn down this city, you’re burning down our community,” she said. “If you want change in America, go and register to vote. Show up at the polls on June 9th. Do it in November. That is the change we need in this country.” She later added: “I am a mother to four Black children in America, one of whom is 18 years old. And when I saw the murder of George Floyd, I hurt like a mother would hurt.”

Following her speech, she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Oprah for OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?

Keisha’s speech even sparked “vice-president” speculations. In an interview with VOGUE, she says: “There are 330-million-plus people in America, and to have your name mentioned as a potential V.P.? That’s a big deal, and it’s a huge honor.”

A very big deal! Kudos to you, Keisha Lance Bottoms